William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

SHADOWS

Silver Cross Mother Diane Abel bows her head in remembrance during the Remembrance Day Ceremony on, November 11, 2003 at the Sidney Cenotaph Canada. The Silver Cross is presented to Mothers and Wives of Canadians who die on active duty whilst serving Canada in the pursuit of PeaceA Silver Cross Mother, she stood all alone
In the shadows of the Cenotaph made out of stone

Dark shadows are visible under her eyes
Made by tears for her son – each day she cries

On November the 11th a huge crowd was here
And after the parade they all went for a beer

But the Silver Cross Mother, for the rest of the year,
Stands in the shadows and sheds a lone tear

Her son joined the Army. She still feels his loss;
In the shadows there glistens the glint of the cross

War clouds now o’er shadow our lads in Kabul
Last month two came home. Two body bags full

New Silver Cross Mothers will stand all alone
And weep in the shadows in the garden of stone